Automotive Trucks information on net.

As novelist Robert Heinlein once famously asserted, specialization is something best left to insects. That's a sentiment with which most truck owners would probably agree. After all, a vehicle that specializes in doing only one thing well rarely inspires much day-in, day-out gratification. Rather, versatility seems to be the key to automotive bliss: The more uses you can find for your vehicle, the more time you'll spend enjoying it - and nobody enjoys their vehicles more than truck owners.

Let's face it, folks - there are just so many things you can do with a truck. Setting aside the obvious applications as travel trailer- or fifth-wheel-puller, you're still left with a vehicle that can haul cargo; tow a boat, jet-ski, snowmobile or motorcycle; transport friends or family in roomy comfort; lug along essential tools or camping gear; explore rugged, unpaved roads and paths; or carry a slide-in truck camper. The list of possibilities is almost endless. There's no doubt about it - in the world of motor vehicles, trucks are the ultimate generalists. And that, in a nutshell, is why they're so popular.

Not surprisingly, the huge and sustained appeal of pickups and SUVs continues to entice automakers into producing new models. Nissan recently introduced its first full-sized pickup and SUV; KMW, Mitsubishi, Buick, Honda and Isuzu have all expanded their SUV product lines (and Hummer will do so shortly); even Volkswagen and Porsche have SUVs. Additionally, there are persistent rumors of Honda introducing a mid-size pickup as a 2005 model, while both Hyundai and Kia have displayed near-production-ready pickups at recent auto shows.

Of course, this dizzying combination of vehicle variety and versatility raises almost infinite possibilities for customization - the uses for a truck are so varied that it becomes almost impossible for the factory to equip any vehicle to exactly suit its owner's tastes and needs. Naturally, the makers of aftermarket products are only too happy to step in to fill these voids. Any aftermarket accessories being offered for one truck brand or model invariably spill over into other similar brands or models, ensuring that virtually all of the popular brands and models are supported by a huge assortment of accessories.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest attractions to many truck accessories is their ease of installation. As a group, truck owners are hands-on folks and thus often derive considerable satisfaction from customizing their vehicles themselves. This places a premium on designing truck accessories in a manner that makes them ownerinstallable. Also, trucks tend to be easier to customize than passenger cars - their manufacturers generally provide more "hooks" and technical support for aftermarket attachments, and the larger size and higher ground clearance of these vehicles provide more elbow-room for getting a wrench wherever it's needed during the installation process. This makes maintaining and repairing truck accessories easier, too.

The dynamic nature of truck ownership is another major reason for the popularity of aftermarket accessories. Many folks buy a truck for one purpose, but eventually end up using it for something else entirely. Also, trucks tend to be kept much longer than passenger cars, making them more likely to require enhancements or alterations as their primary purpose changes over the years.

For example, trading up to a larger trailer often mandates some upgrades in the powertrain, suspension, brakes, electrical system and/or hitch of the truck that tows it. Accessory manufacturers have responded to this trend by offering products that fit not only current trucks but also many of the more popular models produced 5, 10 or even 20 years ago.

Naturally, automakers haven't exactly been turning a blind eye to the amount of money being spent on accessorizing their products. Most brands have recently expanded their own lines of factory- and dealer-installed accessories in an attempt to divert some of this cash back into their own pockets. As a consequence, formerly aftermarket-only items such as spray-in bedliners, Class IV hitch receivers, custom aluminum wheels, premium shock absorbers, locking differentials and rooftop cargo racks can now be ordered as OEM equipment on a handful of models.

However, even for items that are available on an automaker's options list, there are often still some major advantages to going the aftermarket route. In some cases, the quality is higher and/or the warranty is better, the price for similar equipment is often considerably less (especially if you'll be installing the item yourself) and there is usually much more variety from which to choose.

Also, many aftermarket manufacturers have much more expertise with the products in their own niche markets; this often results in better technical support and customer service. Then, too, there's that procrastination advantage: Many enthusiasts simply don't know what accessories they want on a new truck until after they've had some time to drive it. Any shortcomings or quirks in a new truck will rarely become apparent during the test drive, raising the prospect of overlooking needed accessories (or worse yet, ordering unneeded ones) in the dealer's sales office. Sometimes, you just need to live with your purchase for a while before deciding what to do next. Finally, some people like to space out their accessory purchases over several years just to "keep things interesting" in the relationship with their vehicles. Installing aftermarket accessories allows this freedom, without any worries about buyer's remorse.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:43 AM